Is Asphalt Sustainable?

When you think about sustainability, asphalt probably doesn’t come to mind. We’re here to change that. At Superior Bowen, we’ve unlocked the potential of this often-overlooked material. Let’s talk about the specialty mix designs and expert application techniques that make asphalt a surprisingly sustainable choice for roads across America.

How Long Does Asphalt Last?

Many members of the public ask us about asphalt’s service life. While “How long does asphalt last?” may seem like a straightforward question, the answer is complicated. That’s because myriad factors influence the way asphalt ages, including: 

• Traffic volume: Heavy use wears down roadways. Out-of-the-way streets could last for more than 20 years, while major highways may need to be resurfaced within a decade.
• Weather conditions: Frequent and intense freeze-thaw cycles (like the ones we experience in Kansas City) speed up deterioration.
• Maintenance: Asphalt requires regular sealcoating and crack sealing. Poorly maintained roads degrade more quickly.
• Design: The teams who design roads specify everything from the materials used to each layer’s strength and thickness. Those choices impact the surface’s service life.
• Subgrade: A road is only as strong as its foundation. Properly prepared subgrade efficiently transfers vehicle weight, while poor subgrade may cause roads to shift, crack, or develop potholes.

Environmental factors aren’t in our control, but as the company behind the pavement, Superior Bowen has taken ownership of two crucial variables: quality materials and expert pavement application.

Quality Pavement Materials

To quote Henry Ford, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” Although few members of the public will ever set foot onto one of our asphalt plants, our commitment to quality starts at the point of production. Superior Bowen’s facilities work closely with Construction Materials Testing Group, our full-service, AASHTO-accredited laboratory. Together, they formulate and test mixes for peak performance.

What Is Asphalt Made of?

When we talk about asphalt in this article, we’re referring to hot mix asphalt. Generally, that’s composed of aggregates, bitumen, and additives.

Aggregates like high-quality sand and stone make up around 95% of the mixture. They’re bound together by bitumen: the petroleum product that gives asphalt its signature black color (and strong smell). Various additives and fillers may be used to change the quality of the pavement — for example, Superior Bowen uses synthetic Kevlar® fibers to increase the strength of some mixes. Our in-house experts introduce other ingredients to increase weather resistance, reduce cracking, and otherwise improve performance.

Can You Recycle Asphalt?

Yes! Believe it or not, asphalt is the most-recycled product in America, according to data from the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). An estimated 89% of asphalt mixture is reclaimed and used in new pavement — the other 11% is recycled into unbound aggregate bases and other civil engineering applications. 

At Superior Bowen’s plants, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is a key component of many mix designs: a clear demonstration of our commitment to sustainability.

Laying Asphalt the Right Way

The quality of the pavement doesn’t matter if it’s poorly applied. Superior Bowen projects begin with thorough site preparation — our team removes existing material, grades the area to project specifications, and compacts the soil to support the weight of traffic. We implement appropriate drainage systems to prevent pooling; standing water ages roads and poses a danger to the motoring public. Our crews also lay a strong subbase compliant with DOT regulations.

Once we’ve laid the groundwork, we can begin paving. Our teams work in sync, assessing pavement thickness, temperature, and compaction every step of the way. Their knowledge and dedication significantly extend the service lives of highways, access roads, parking lots, and city streets. The end result? Sustainable surfaces that will support homes and businesses throughout Kansas City for years to come.

Kansas City’s Leading Asphalt Company

Superior Bowen is dedicated to excellence in asphalt. From mix design and production to preparation and application, we create and place smooth surfaces made to last. Contact us to learn more about our legacy of quality (or to request a quote for your next project). We look forward to paving with you.